Tache vs. tâche
The French words tache and tâche are pronounced identically but have completely different meanings. The presence or absence of the circumflex accent (ˆ) is the only visual clue that distinguishes a physical mark from a piece of work.
Tache
A2The word tache is a feminine noun that means a spot, a stain, or a mark. It refers to a physical, often unwanted, discoloration on a surface or a figurative blemish on one's reputation.
J'ai fait une tache de café sur ma chemise blanche.
(I made a coffee stain on my white shirt.)
Le léopard est connu pour ses taches noires.
(The leopard is known for its black spots.)
Il y a une tache de graisse sur le mur de la cuisine.
(There is a grease spot on the kitchen wall.)
Cette erreur a laissé une tache sur sa carrière.
(This mistake left a stain on his career.)
Elle a une petite tache de naissance dans le dos.
(She has a small birthmark on her back.)
Tâche
A2The word tâche, with a circumflex accent, is also a feminine noun, but it means a task, a chore, a job, or a duty. It refers to an activity or piece of work that needs to be accomplished.
Ma première tâche de la journée est de vérifier mes e-mails.
(My first task of the day is to check my emails.)
Ranger sa chambre est une tâche que les enfants n'aiment pas.
(Cleaning one's room is a chore that children do not like.)
Le patron m'a confié une tâche très importante.
(The boss entrusted me with a very important task.)
Finir ce rapport avant midi sera une tâche difficile.
(Finishing this report before noon will be a difficult job.)
C'est notre tâche de protéger les plus vulnérables.
(It is our duty to protect the most vulnerable.)
Summary
In essence, the difference is simple: tache without an accent is a stain or spot. Tâche with a circumflex accent is a task or chore. Remember that the accent adds the work.